[twitter]Parenting is one big corn maze. So many ways to get out, and so many decisions to make to get there.
“I worry if I’m going to be a good dad. I worry if I’m teaching my child enough. I worry about raising decent children and living long enough to celebrate life with them. I worry about every single decision.”
I asked some friends if they’re a parent who worries and the list started with the above and just kept going. We worry about everything. And it’s not just about our kids, we worry about ourselves too.
I worry too, but maybe it’s more of a wonder. I don’t necessarily stress about how my kids are being raised and doing with life, but I wonder about it all the time. I measure everything, I am constantly taking stock and thinking about their progress and if I’m doing good enough by my boys.
I wonder if I’m giving my kids enough activity options to find their muse. I wonder if I’m reading to them enough. I wonder if the quality time I spend with them is quality enough. I wonder if I’m saving enough for their future, if I’m earning enough to take care of their present, and if I’m looking after myself to live long enough to see it all unfold.
My wonder extends to measuring too. I see how you other parents are with your kids, and I compare how I am with mine. I see your status updates about the things you’re doing with your kids, how they’re excelling, and I compare if my kids are good enough.
And then I start wondering.
Why aren’t my sons playing hockey, taking piano, or programming computers? Yes they take art class, and dance, and swimming, but did I miss something by not getting them in baseball, skiing, or lacrosse?
I wonder if my kids are okay. I wonder if they’re confident enough. I wonder if they have enough friends, if they’re a good friend. I wonder if they’re happy.
I know you wonder and worry about the same things most parents seem to wonder and worry about. Everything. And guess what? As much as I want to be laissez-faire free-range parent and put my feet up, the wonder and worry is a good thing.
The worry if we’re doing good enough is a sign that, in fact, we ARE doing good enough. If you’re not worrying about your kids, if you’re not wondering if you’re doing it right well .. then .. what does that say?
The fact we stress, we wonder, we wish, we hope, we second guess is a sign of caring. The fact that we stress about all those things is the sign that YES, I’M A GOOD PARENT/FRIEND/RELATIVE.
If you care, if you question, if you worry, if you compare, if you wonder, it means you’re doing it right. You’re doin’ good. Really, you are.
To worry means you’re not satisfied with where things are, and you want to try harder to make it better. While we could all use to dial down the worry and the wonder, the fact that it is there means we care.
Check out this new video from my partner Minute Maid. Share it with the friends and family in your life who could use a reminder that they, too, are doing a great job as a parent.
Now tell me about a parent who worries that you know.
Post a shout out/short story about her in the comment section below to let them know she’s doing a better job as a parent than she might think. With the comment you’ll have a chance to win a Minute Maid prize pack, which includes a $250 Visa gift card to help her to continue #DoinGood work for her family. Happy posting!
(Don’t worry, Dads – I will be running a similar campaign for Father’s Day.)
And rookie parents? You need to know that while time cures the worry and wonder, it also changes it. I look back on those early stresses about food and sleep patterns and potty training and, in the big picture, it didn’t matter.
Now it’s reading, and school, and socializing. In a few years it will be peer pressure, and more school. The worry and wonder will never go away. So take time in your present to look back at your past, and realize that you’re #doingood for your kids’ future.
Disclaimer: This prize will be provided by Minute Maid. Minute Maid is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with the contest – and all opinions are my own. Please use a genuine social media account for entry, not a generic contest account. This branded content appears in exchange for a donation to Team Diabetes Canada.
I know that my sister-in-law Natalie is doing a great job! she loves my niece and nephew so much and she’s such a nice person and a great cook to boot! I plan on letting her know how appreciated she is on Mother’s Day this year because she really is a great mom!
I know you can’t spend as much time with Isabel as you’d like, but the time you do is amazing. She doesn’t appreciate it now, but it makes a difference on her young mind and heart.
My husband is #doinggood. He’s a spectacular father.
Our mom is flying up just to visit us in a few weeks
my husband he works like crazy o i cna stay home with our son. he works night then stays up with our son that takes allot of sacrafice and i appriciate everything he does.
My sister! She’s going through a tough divorce and manages to keep her son the #1 priority.. She loves him unconditionally and she is still a great source of encouragement and advice! I aim to be more like her!
My neighbor! He is a single dad of 3 boys and he works so so hard. #doingood
My friend Andrea… she has it so hard it’s not even funny. I am not going to go into specifics because they are very personal..but she is doing a tremendous job of parenting – and she has about every raod block in the way to boot.
My sister is doing a really great job as a single working mom. She works, takes care of her 5 year old girl, and signs my niece up for soccer, gymnastics, and other activities. #doinggood
My neighbors blow me away ! They have six kids, And literally work day and night to support them. They are always so kind and helpful, truly dedicated to their kids and their futures, So inspiring 🙂
My cousin is a wonderful mom. She is #doinggood even though she has had to raise her daughter all alone (her husband passed early). She fosters every possible learning opportunity and has grown herself as a person.
my husband works full time, goes to school, and is a preacher, but he still makes time for our son and know that has to be challenging with so much going on
My friend. They gave their sons the best and yet did not get the appreciation from the teenagers. They think he is too strict and did not give them any space. They will soon realize how fortunate they are.
My cousin is #doingood – she is an amazing mom and always striving to be better.
My husband is doing it right! He is a step-father to my two daughters, but you wouldn’t guess it. He is fabulous with them and he treats them like what they are, fabulous people!!
One of my best friends. She is an amazing mother and she often feels like she isn’t doing enough and feels guilty.
my sister is definitely #doinggood! she never seems to take any time for herself and is always on the go! Would love to win so I can take her shopping!
My best friend from high school. She has two daughters who are celiac, and also works full time as a teacher. She makes all their food from scratch, including gluten free bread daily. She volunteers with the girls sports groups and guides, she volunteers with the church, she volunteers with extra curricular activities with the school and she never ever complains.
I must admit after 18 years of being a single Dad care-provider to 6 children you learn what is and what isn’t important! All 6 kids are now adults so it seemed to work. Married in March 2013 and now have 6 + 3 aged 20-30…BUT, at least I’m not parenting alone..and all but 2 have left home! It can be done!
My mom is #doinggood. She always puts others ahead of herself. 🙁
My daughter is #doingood with her niece and nephew. She spends a lot of time with them experiencing new things in life.
A family i know that has 7 kids. The parents are always so positive even though I know their days are very long and they sacrifice a lot for their kids.
My brother in law is #doingood although he questions it.
My wife is always worried about our baby, she have definitely scarified her own pleasure from time and time again for our baby’s sake.
My brother is a single parent, and he’s such an amazing dad to his daughter!
I once received this message from a friend….I just wanted to say that I think you are one of the strongest people I know. To walk a mile in your shoes is to walk for an eternity. I am a better person for knowing you and this journey you are taking with your daughter.
Raising a medically fragile child is difficult and it takes a toll on you, so receiving this from her really meant a lot. #doinggood
My sister in law is a single parent, she raised her daughter on her own now she’s helping to raise her grandson and has a full time job and is always volunteering somewhere or helping someone out..truly genuine and caring
My best friend who does so well with her kids while her air force hubby is away!
My sister-in-law is a great mom.
My brother-in-law and his wife are doing really well – they’re expecting their first child, and they’ve really stepped up to the plate in terms of preparation. They’ve even started eating way better and completely quit smoking!
My sister in law is #doinggood as a first time mom!
My sister is doing amazing raising two young boys and dealing with multiple health-issues…She still keeps up with them, stays positive and gives them all shes got 🙂
My mom is #doinggood she always worries that she doesn’t do enough for the family but in reality she does more than is needed.
My BFF is doing awesome raising her children on her own but often doubts herself. She is #doinggood <3 xo
My daughter is #doingood. She’s such a great first-time mom, even though she’s had such a battle health-wise. Such strength and love, it warms my heart. I’m so proud of her! :o)
My wife is an amazing mother. I am so proud of the great job she is doing taking care of the kids when I am away at work.
My mother worries even though she does a great job!
My friend is working full-time, taking her kids to lessons and orchestrating elaborate birthday parties for her two girls. She is #doingood
I would nominate my mom because she is ALWAYS there to support us and she puts up with so much. She has such determination in the face of obstacles.
One of my friends whom is a single full time working mom and also goes to school full time!
My wife Jane.. she works like crazy to support our family and I don’t think she knows just how great of a mom she is to our kids. she is definitely #doingood
My husband, he works long hours but always finds time to spend time with our kids
My hubby is doing a great job with our 1 month old daughter and doesn’t realize it!
Even though my mom just turned 92 this April and suffered a stroke, she still provides encouragement, love & an ear to listen. Although she cannot do much for herself, she still evokes that motherly instinct no matter what age. LOVE you to bits MOM! You are my Rock, My Special Place ♥♥♥
I want to give a shout out to my sister! She is an amazing mom and worries that her son is going to grow up a thug. Her son is amazing and has grown so much over the past 11 years. I hope to win this for her!
My mom always volunteers at the hospice #Doingood
My daughter does a brilliant job raising her family
My sister in law is #Doingood
My husband always worries if wedoing a good job with out kids, I really think we are
my hubby, he is a great dad, and our little guy is goign through a mommy phase now and it is tearing up the hubby, he feels the baby doesnt like him. i keep telling him it is just a phase,
My Momma is a worry wart and even though her kids are adults, she still worries. She is truly an inspiration and great teacher. she’s doing better than good! she’s awesome!
My good friend inspires me. She and her husband have adopted seven children, all with special needs of some kind. They have started their own organic farm to feed the kids the best diet. They volunteer with the Church and school and they both have full-time jobs. Amazing.
My niece is doing a great job raising her daughter.
My stepdad is, he is a great guy
I think that applies to so many moms I know; we are forever undervaluing ourselves.
My mom is #doingood. She belittles her parenting abilities but she is a great mom who continues to face challenges with her children even though we are grown!
My bestie is a single mom, she inspires me
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My sister, She is doing good by providing donations of toiletries to help families & children in need. Definite koodos & definite case of #doingood
i find a lot of parents dont worry nearly as much as they should these days. my mother was a single mom and never let me out of her sight, yes she was a worrier. she watched me when i played in our own yard.
My cousin is doing a great job with her daughter!
I have a friend who worked as a special care nurse for children, and raised 4 girls, one who got in trouble, but my friend was a patient and great mom – now she is a grandma.
I would say my mom. She’s my full-time caregiver as I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She is also my dad’s caregiver with cancer. She works at an old age home and brightens your day.
My sister is #doinggood. She is always there for her child
My nieghbor Brenda she has 3 girl (1 in a wheel chair. She has no idea that she a is #doingood as a mom.
Me. #doinggood
My niece is a good parent….lives for her kids….
My nephew is a good parent … and a brand new one.
My sister is an excellent mom! Very proud of my nephew, he’s turned out well.
My sister is #doingood. She is a cancer survivor, recently got a new job, graduated from university with her masters and is caring for two children ALONE who have special needs. She deserves to be honored and appreciated.
I would have to say my sister
My sister is a stepmom and is doing an amazing job as a part time parent with her husband’s son of 9yrs. He doesn’t call her “Mom”, but he respects her like a parent and gives her hugs and cuddles. She must be doing something right 🙂
My own mother does a fantastic job and I don’t think she is acknowledged enough.
my dear friend who is an amazing single parent
My brother and his wife have two girls under the age of three. They’re chill relaxed parents and their kids are laid back and chill as well. Which is nice :0
My colleague is doing an amazing job. She has two high needs kids and yet seems to have it all – great career & still does wonders with her kids, all with a smile on her face.
My daughter is doing a great job raising her children. She is in midst of breakup and she worries so much how it will affect the children. She is working two jobs to make ends meet and she is a great mom who always puts her kids first.
My sister-in-law does a great job with her kids – she’s so busy working but manages to do so much with them! #doingood
I think my mom is #DoingGood – Well…Amazingly good, that is. She’s raised 5 kids, with 2 early teens still at home and still goin’ strong! She most definitely is not told enough how much she is loved 🙂 Kudos to her and as a side note, kudos to my brother and dad who have survived the ups and downs of life with 5 women in the house haha!
My daughter is doing great as a new mother#doingood
My mother has always done great, especially considering she raised me while dealing with having Crohn’s disease.#doingood
My sister and her hubby are doing an amazing job with their two kids. They are simple and make parenting a piece of cake.
My wife always cares for her family and she is always helping others with encouraging word and a smile #doingood .
My sister in law is #doingood. She is a hard worker and doing a great job as a new mom.
my nephew who i thought might walk away and has surprised all of us by turning his life around
My friend, who is an amazing single mom of two.
my sister is #doingood,she is a great mother and person 🙂
My sister is #doinGood and doesnt realize it with 3 boys!
My husband is doing a great job as a dad to 4 little girls!
My brother in law is doing great!
my husband is!
My husband is #DoinGood. He works long hours and feels guilty being away from home so much during his busy season, but when he is around, he really pays attention to the kids, spending quality time with them: playing catch in the back yard, helping them with homework, riding bikes, playing a board game with them, etc.
My sister is a good parent; she needs to not worry what others think.
My husband is #doingood. He works hard to support his family. And he loves us.
I should tell him more.
Haha, he was the first person I thought of. For Mother’s day no less. 😛 but my sister is as well. she just had baby #4 and she’s so tough. She just keeps going even if it’s hard.
My step father’s daughter, Amanda is raising 4 children on her own. She is a great mother and is doing wonderful with her kids. She should be very proud of herself. #doingood
My neighbour is doing a wonderful job with her two daughters – her husband is a pilot and she’s on her own a lot!
I have a friend that doesn’t have a lot of patience with certain things in life, but when it comes to her kids she is doing a wonderful job.
My mom is doing great, all her life she has worked hard to support me while growing up, she’s much more relaxed and stress free now
My niece is #doingood she has great children that show respect and kindness to all
My Grandmother is 98 and still rides a 3-wheeled bike to do her grocery shopping. #doingood
My brother, father of two young kids, is going a great job!
My sister who is a new mom, she’s doing an awesome job
My friend is a nurse and mother of toddler twins and she’s doing great!
I’ve got a co-worker who is doing a wonderful job as a single parent.. also makes sure to go above and beyond to make the best for her daughter.
My Mom is #doingood I may not be a kid anymore, but now she has years and years of experience at being a great Mom!
I have a friend who is raising her two boys by herself and is doing a great job.
My niece is a single mom of 3 who works and takes care of her kids and I think that in spite of her situation, she’s #doingood and being an amazing Mother and providing the best she can.
#doingood my best friend of over 30 years who is the single mother of a 16 year old honor student (who also works 3 hours a day after school as a vet’s assistant) who has had lupus for about 18 years, yet she continues to work full-time, look after her widowed mother and 1 dog and a rabbit. She hasn’t been on a date in over 6 years and spends nothing on herself…her daughter is her life…and she is a wonderful, uncomplaining person
I don’t think my daughter realizes what a great mother she is to my two grandsons! They are very close in age and can be such a handful, but she’s #doingood!
My friend Victoria, she is raising her grandchildren and also is now taking care of a friends 3 kids.
My mom is #doingood as a mom because she remarried and is doing a great job at being the mom of 2 step kids and her 2 real kids. She also raised 2 kids as a single parent on a teacher’s salary.
A friend of mine is wonderful mom & lawyer….she cherishes but does not spoil her two lovely kids.
My best friend Pat is #doinggood and doesn’t know it, as a single parent who went to court to get joint custody, and spends half the week entirely with his daughter, never gets a babysitter and takes her to many different activities, classes and lessons and exposes her to music, arts, culture, sports, and more. Great #doinggood parent.
My friend is doing a great job raising her son. She is a single mom.
My Sister Is Doing A Wonderful Job As A Single Parent, She Don’t Give Herself Nearly Enough Credit!
there is a girl in my small community that always feels like she’s not doing things right. everytime i see her i always give her a complment or a coffee or something. She’s starting to figure out that she’s a good mom and sometimes yo have to make a hard decision. Thats our job!
My friend who is #doingood and teachers her daughters to explore the world more
one of my dearest friends has 2 little ones and I really hope she knows what a great job she is doing
I know an elderly couple who are looking after their grandkids. There seems to be alot of that these days
My friend from college is #doingood, spending quality time with her daughter and teaching her values. She has a tough schedule with work, but is doing a good job.
my parents are divorced, but they are both #doinggood under the circumstances
My hubby is #doinggood at being a parent to our son, even though at times he thinks he is not. He has always made time for our son and did everything with him. Our son is 22 now, and my hubby is even closer to him. He seems to worry a lot more, yet he is there, offering advise, being a good listener and just hanging out.
My sister in law is a fantastic, hard working, hands on Mother who does so much and asks for so little. She’s #doingood and I’d love for her to know that.
my husband, father to 5 is a hardworking and dedicated man , who not only treats his children like angels but to anyone.
my best friend! just had her first baby a month and a half ago! Always worried if she was doing a good job !! she is such a great mommy and her baby girl is lucky to have her as a mom
My Husband is awesome , he works so hard to support us , he’s truly amazing 🙂
My best friend Sheri…she is an amzing mother/wife/friend
My sister is #DoinGood for her family. She’s a single mommy and it’s harder than we give her credit for sometimes.
Our son and daughter-in-law are doing a fabulous job with out granddaughters.
My niece is doing a great job and just may not realize it. She had a surprise 3rd pregnancy that she and her husband weren’t planning on but a couple years later and I think she’s #doinggood managing and raising her kids.
my friend is #doinggood as a mom
My daughter is doing a great job as a mom. She should be because I taught her everything she knows! 🙂
The lady in Baltimore who stopped her kid from rioting is #doinggood.
My mom did great raising five kids, i never heard her complain and would still do anything for her family.
My sister-in-laws worries about #Doingood with my nephew. I think she’s found the right balance of being strict and laid back.
I would say my sister who has two kids, she sometimes doubts herself, but she is the best mom I know. Always doing all she can.
My sister is so patient with her kids #doingood
My cousin is #doinggood she went back to school and got her degree and is helping her daughter with college
As a single parent, my sister-in-law is doing an excellent job raising her kids.
Funny how we all get caught up in life and never truly realize how overwhelming and frustrating it is to be the MAN of the house and to provide for all the needs in one’s household. Never appreciated it as much as I do now. I see my husband working longer hours and the wrinkles are more defined. Today I watched as he was doing yard work with our son – I peered from the window as intermittently they kicked a soccer ball back & forth. Laughter & Giggles abound. To all the unspoken fathers/husbands in the day and age of increased prices on everything….struggling to survive…I like to do a shout out for all the fathers that may not be appreciated or get the much “Pat on the back” for being so selfless.
My Mom is #doingood!
Oh my little brother is #doingood! His wife walked out on him and the 3 kids about 3 years ago now. He has done such a great job being a single father! So proud of him!
My friend is supermom. Always offering to take my kids as well as hers and managing to be a supermom during it all!
My husband is #doingood in his job as a father, although I know sometimes he doesn’t feel like it when he’s working a lot!
My daughter is doing a wonderful job with her baby. I know she worries about every stage but that means she reads about each stage beforehand and is prepared and understands what will happen.
my wife is #doingood
my friend is #doingood ..she is a full time mom to 3 special needs kids ..2 are bio kids and one is adopted!! she spends her time advocating for her kids needs and finding ways to get them all that they need in order to make life easier !!! she is an awesome mom!! and my hero
My best friend of 30+ years is going through a rough time where she is very close to divorce, & she is worried about the effects it will have on her 2 kids. She is trying so hard right now to keep her emotions together for the sake of the kids, when I know deep inside she is ready to break. I always let her know she is #doinggood as I talk to her every night for support.
my SIL is #doingood even though sometimes she’s hard on herself, shes great!
My husband is an amazing Dad. He always thinks he’s not because he works shift work and isn’t home a lot. But without him we would not have a home, food or anything
My mom is #doingood every day. One thing I think she doesn’t know is that’s she’s an amazing cook. She always says other moms are better, but I think she’s the best!
My friend Stacy Scott is a mother to 10 kids 18 to 4 she is stressed lol of course she is she has ten kids but she is doing a great job!
My son and daughter in-law are #doingood being first time parents. It makes my heart happy:)
My neighbour is #doingood as a single Mom! She works so hard (I believe she has 2 jobs) just to give her 2 lovely daughters a better chance in life.
Anyone who shows tough love in order to teach your children the right way to live life is doing good without realizing it.
my mom is #doingood, but she stills worry about me to much,she needs to take a chill pill and dont worry, just be happy-happy-happy
my friends john and Katie with their three daughters
My niece is a great parent, always opening her home to all the other kids!
My best friend is an amazing parent. Sometimes I dont think she realizes it.
My daughter is a first time mom and she is #doingood . I am so proud of her she is just amazing.
My brother is an awesome parent and does not know it.
My sister is an amazing mom and she doesn’t give herself enough credit. She has three daughters and their dad has chosen not to be in their life. She’s doing amazing at work and is building a career working full time. No matter how tired she is she always takes the time to make sure my nieces are taken care of on every level and that they are excelling in their school work. They look up to her and she is their hero. I wish she would just stop and look at the incredible job she is doing. She’s definitely #doingood
#doingood I have a close friend who’s a single parent.
She questions herself a lot even though she’s a fantastic mother.
thank you
My buff is a first time mom she is second guessing everything but she is doing amazing!
I love watching my sister as a new Mom – she is doing a wonderful job!!!
My wife is! She does a great job!